A Precarious Homecoming by D.S. Lang

Author:D.S. Lang [Lang, D.S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: D.S. Lang
Published: 2021-04-06T06:00:00+00:00

DURING THE REST OF the short drive, neither of them spoke again. When they got to the Wagner place, Bella pulled to the side of the road, stopped the car, and looked at Jax. “The drive is a mess.” Mud, puddles, and a very few patches of snow covered the yard in front of a small weathered house. “Going any farther seems like a sure way to get stuck.”

A rough sigh escaped Jax. “We could leave the car here, but it would be tough going for you.”

“I’m wearing boots,” she pointed out. “They’ll get muddy, but I walked through worse in France.”

“I know,” Jax murmured. And he did. Hadn’t both he and Matt worried about her safety and comfort? Since he knew better than to say he was a man and could endure the cold and wet, Jax simply nodded. “Let’s go.”

When they got to the porch, Jax let her precede him and rap on the door.

A petite woman answered almost immediately. Her gray eyes widened. “Constable Hastings, Miss Stewart. What brings you here?”

Although the woman posed a question, she did not look surprised. Instead, she appeared wary. Jax swept off his cap. “Good afternoon, Mrs. Wagner. Is Oscar home?”

Her bony fingers clasped the edge of the door, but she nodded and said, “Yes. Out in the barn. He should be back in a few minutes.” A tiny sigh left her before she continued. “Come in and sit down.”

“We need to take our shoes off,” Bella said. “Otherwise, we’ll get mud all over your clean floor.” Actually, the well-worn wood wasn’t simply clean; it was spotless as was the rest of the parlor.

After removing their footwear, Bella and Jax followed Mrs. Wagner to the furniture clustered around the fireplace. Flames flickered cheerfully in the grate which drew Bella to take the chair closest to it. Jax took the seat next to her while their hostess settled on the faded settee across from them. “Ma’am, I’d like to you ask you a few questions, as well. Might we do that while we’re waiting for your husband?” He strived to keep his voice soft and soothing in order to avoid upsetting the woman, who already seemed edgy.

“Surely,” Mrs. Wagner said in a hushed voice that revealed her continuing discomfort.

“Bella is along to take notes for me,” Jax explained.

Mrs. Wagner looked at Bella as if seeing her for the first time. After a moment, she offered condolences which Bella quietly accepted before pulling the notepad and pencil out. Before she bowed her head, Jax saw the look of anguish cross her face and his heart turned over. At the same time, guilt speared him. He had caused a good part of her pain, and the knowledge lashed like a whip.

When the farmwoman spoke again, Jax realized he’d gotten lost in his thoughts. “What did you want to ask, constable?”

He cleared his throat. “You already know Gus Schwarz was killed Christmas Eve morning.”

She nodded. “Yes, we heard the news.”

“Did you see or hear anything unusual that morning?” Jax asked.

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